Teeth Whitening: Is It Right For You?

Teeth whitening has become a hit with Gen Xers, baby boomers, and teens. It can draw attention to your smile, make you feel better about yourself, and even give you a more youthful appearance. If you are skeptical about whitening treatments or have tried and been disappointed with over-the-counter products, this information can be helpful if you still want whiter teeth.

Why can’t I whiten my teeth?

To begin with, not all teeth were the same shade at birth. It is important to know if you are comparing your results with someone else’s. You probably also know that the food we eat, the things we drink or smoke can cause our teeth to darken over time. But other factors (diseases, medications, the environment) can also cause discoloration. If your mother used certain types of antibiotics during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, her teeth may have become discolored as a result. If children take certain antibiotics, such as those in the tetracycline family, during the time that permanent teeth are developing, similar discoloration can occur.

What Home Teeth Whitening Options Are There?

Home options include over-the-counter products, as well as products that your dentist can dispense. One of the simplest and easiest methods of teeth whitening can be to try whitening toothpastes. However, although they have special chemical or polishing agents that help remove tooth enamel stains, they will not change the natural color of the teeth. Be sure to look for the ADA seal of acceptance when making your toothpaste selection. The ADA website provides a search tool that can help you identify approved whitening products. Many people are not satisfied with the results they get from whitening toothpaste and want even whiter teeth.

Other home methods use bleaching solutions that are peroxide-based compounds of different concentrations. The whitening agent comes in strips that are applied to the teeth or is applied through trays that fit the teeth. Going to a dentist for a home whitening treatment program allows the dentist to provide a tailored mouth guard / tray that best fits your mouth and teeth. Homemade teeth whitening products are usually used at 1-2 week intervals, sometimes once or twice a day, sometimes overnight. Some people experience tooth sensitivity or irritation of the oral tissue (especially the gums) when using these products. A properly fitted mouthguard / tray from a dentist can decrease the likelihood of irritation of the oral tissue.

The Academy of General Dentistry offers some informative tips regarding the use of home bleaching agents on its website. One of the most important is not to use whitening products if you have cavities, periodontal disease or hypersensitivity. A regular dental exam can help you figure it out. The proper use of these products is important. Some people leave tooth whitening agents on their teeth for too long and find that their teeth look white, but very unnatural. Others use the over-the-counter products and are not satisfied with the degree of whitening or that only the front teeth are whitened.

What about in-office whitening treatments?

Two key reasons why many people choose in-office teeth whitening are 1) whiter teeth and 2) faster results. Dentists can use stronger whitening solutions than home-safe options. Just as the results of home tooth whitening solutions can be influenced by the diligence of the user in following instructions, the results of in-office whitening can be affected by the dentist administering the treatment. No matter how skilled and caring the dentist is, there are times when teeth whitening alone will not provide the results you expect. For some teeth, veneers or cosmetic dentistry approaches must be used in conjunction with whitening. In fact, whitening surrounding teeth can draw attention to problem teeth – another reason to consult your dentist before deciding on over-the-counter, at-home teeth whitening systems.

Choosing a dentist based on the teeth whitening products you use is not the smartest approach. Many dentists offer more than one product and approach to teeth whitening. The best dental care providers will carefully devise a teeth whitening plan that takes into account your overall dental health, your schedule, and the realities of how your personal habits can affect both short-term and long-term results.

When selecting a dentist, you should be aware that some dentists are simply more careful about what they do. This extra care can mean fewer short-term and long-term oral health problems. Applying products carefully can reduce the likelihood of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity in the short term. However, some patients are simply more sensitive than others. With regard to long-term oral health, there are certain products that should be used with great caution. An example is ultraviolet (UV) light, which can be used to activate, speed up, or enhance the bleaching process. For decades, we have been aware of UV light and its short-term and long-term effects on skin health. Despite that, some dentists generously apply UV light to the tooth and gum areas during teeth whitening treatments. Can you imagine what would happen if you held down your lower lip to expose your gums to the summer sun for a couple of hours? Think about long-term tissue damage and cancer risks, especially since your gums don’t have sunscreen applied. Ultraviolet light can be used effectively and safely. However, the use of ultraviolet rays for whitening should include procedures and equipment that protect the gum tissue and direct the light only in the appropriate areas.